Raphael Cutrufello, better known by his moniker Hezekiah Jones, has been steadily growing a devout following in the Philly are and beyond in the last decade. Recently, we at The Key were lucky enough to have Jones and his band mates into the studio to play some tracks from their brand new album, In Loving Memory of oosi Lockjaw. Tonight is the album’s official release party at The Ardmore Music Hall with special guests the West Philadelphia Orchestra and Lauryn Peacock. For more information on the record release show tonight, click here. Continue reading →

The Greek philospoher Plato had this idea he called the “Philosopher King.” Essentially, a philosopher would make an ideal ruler because of their commitment to a vision—to a cause. Tuesday night in Chinatown, I hailed my philosopher king. Clad in black sweatpants and sweatshirt rather than a toga, Kendrick Lamar waxed philosophical writ large, performing his stunning 2015 record To Pimp a Butterfly almost in its entirety. Continue reading →

Some mosh pits are sloppy, some mosh pits are scary, but some mosh pits are just pure joy – and the one that broke out at the Dead Milkmen’s Halloween-eve set at the Troc was absolutely the latter.

Rodney Anonymous fitfully weaved his way around the stage with all the energy of his high school self, shouting along with the cheering painted faces below him – equal parts millennial vampires and greying punk zombies. Continue reading →

The last time the Growlers were in town, they sold out Johnny Brenda’s. Tonight, they’re playing at Union Transfer, and it is sure to be a fun show. The “beach goth” five-piece, who is known for blending surf guitar reverb with ’80s post-punk, released their fifth studio album, Chinese Fountain, last month. Get tickets and more info on the show at the XPN Concert Calendar. Continue reading →

After making a huge splash at all the summer festivals they played (and there were a lot of them), Nashville rockers Bully headed out on a solo tour that brings them to Boot and Saddle tonight. Their debut LP Feels Like dropped on Colombia Records this summer, and their music is loud and gritty guitar rock (the best kind of guitar rock). More information on the show can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar. Listen to Feels Like below. Continue reading →

Los Angeles / Atlanta project The Internet headline The Trocadero. The soul-hop sextet, which features members of Odd Future, released its third LP Ego Death earlier this summer. Listen to “Girl” featuring Kaytranada below and pick up tickets for the all-ages show here.

Tonight, AfroTaino productions and World Cafe’s Latin Roots Live concert series join forces to present Nuevofest at The Trocadero. Seven bands with roots in Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic an the U.S. will perform, from El Salvador ska six-piece Adhesivo to Trenton hip-hop duo Agudos Clef. The 21+ show is free, but you have to RSVP here. Watch a video for “Las Moskas” by Adhesivo below and download a four-song Nuevofest sampler here. Continue reading →

Photo taken from Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pages/L7-Official

In the 90s, California grunge/punk act L7 was known for its loud, hooky songs and strong feminist beliefs, but the band has not released an album since 1999’s Slap-Happy. Nevertheless, the four-piece – fronted by Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner – has announced a reunion tour that brings them to The Trocadero Theater on September 11th, following a hiatus that lasted for over a decade. Continue reading →

After opening for Sam Smith and Hozier in Philadelphia earlier this year, George Ezra returned on Tuesday to headline his own sold out show at the Trocadero. Just as Smith and Hozier did in 2014, the 21-year-old England native has risen to fame overnight. It seems Ezra has not grown completely accustomed to the fame, as evidenced by his bashful response of “Thank you” when a fan screamed “I love you, George!” from the audience. However humble he may be, Ezra’s deep and powerful voice was a true spectacle that night. Continue reading →

After losing their friend Gary to a battle with depression, Philadelphia rock six-piece Seeking Valor decided to write an album in his memory. More than just that, though, they wanted to write an album that could possibly save someone else’s life. According to guitarist Frank Gannon, he resulting record – particularly the “So Far Gone” single, released back in October – is a testament to their friend Gary but also the band’s journey as a whole; 7 of Diamonds has not only been two years in the making, it has been two years of reflecting and processing. I caught up with the group to ask them their album, the foundation that comes with it, and the upcoming release show at The Trocadero on May 2nd. Continue reading →

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH